It’s Official, Dr. Taylor Becomes the University’s Seventh President

Multnomah University Announces Dr. Jessica Taylor as President

Portland, OR — Multnomah University is thrilled to announce the official appointment of Dr. Jessica Taylor as the university’s seventh President. The Board of Trustees have unanimously confirmed this decision, recognizing Dr. Taylor’s exceptional leadership and tireless dedication to the institution.

Dr. Taylor has been serving as the interim president of Multnomah University since April 20, 2023, and during this time, has exhibited a profound commitment to the university’s mission and its community. Under Dr. Taylor’s guidance, the university has continued adapting to the evolving landscape of higher education while maintaining its dedication to academic excellence, love for Jesus, and focus on creating a Christ-honoring community where every student can experience belonging.

“It is with great joy that the Board of Trustees of Multnomah University announces the appointment of Dr. Jessica Taylor as our President,” said Jay Mosser, President of the Board of Trustees.  “Dr. Taylor has been exceptional during the past six months as Interim President.  She has demonstrated excellence in her commitment to Christ, love for the faculty, staff, and students of MU, and has far exceeded our expectation in the ability to lead Multnomah University with great wisdom and courage into its next season in the rapidly changing environment of Christian higher education.”

“Multnomah has an inheritance of faithfulness and strong leadership for nearly ninety-years,” said Alin Vrancila, Provost of Multnomah University.  “As with the presidents who have gone before, Dr. Jessica Taylor brings renewed vision and endurance.  On behalf of the faculty, we are excited the Board of Trustees elected Dr. Taylor to continue in the legacy and to move us forward.”

“Dr. Taylor is highly regarded by her peers, having earned their respect many times over,” said Joyce Schroeder, Vice Chair of the Multnomah Board of Trustees.

Dr. Taylor has an impressive history with the institution, first as a student of Multnomah’s Master of Counseling program, then as a member of the Board of Trustees, then most recently before the appointment to interim President, she served as Multnomah’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusive Development.

“I’m humbled by the opportunity to shepherd this beautiful community as Multnomah’s President,” said Dr. Taylor.  “Multnomah University has been steadfast, since 1936, in her unwavering love for Jesus and the word of God. Compelled by the love of Christ, we will continue to equip, educate, and enrich students to be salt and light in our city and in our world.  As Multnomah’s President, I will continue to lead us to move in alignment with the Spirit of God.

“Multnomah will be a beacon of hope, with the courage to disrupt the status quo with the same trail-blazing spirit of our founders,” said Dr. Taylor.  “Like the early church, we will move in unity to reconcile across differences and innovate with other like-minded kingdom collaborators.  I believe wholeheartedly that our most significant contributions to the kingdom of God are ahead of us.”

The university will host an inauguration ceremony to celebrate President Taylor’s appointment.  Further details regarding the inauguration will be announced in the coming weeks.

Multnomah University is hopeful about the future under President Taylor’s leadership and is committed to advancing its mission and legacy for the glory of God.

October 22, 2023 | News